Met Action Plan Publication

Unmesh Desai: When will your plan to build wider trust and confidence in policing be published?

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor’s Question 2020/2647.

Concerns Around the Emergency Services Network Upgrade

Caroline Pidgeon: The Government’s Huawei ban on 5G infrastructure in the UK potentially has serious implications for the Emergency Services Network (ESN) upgrade. How are you working with the Met and the London Fire Brigade to understand how this could impact their operations, particularly around the lifespan and security of the ESN system?

The Mayor: The Emergency Service Network (ESN) Programme is a Home Office led project and an official statement on Huawei is expected in the coming weeks. In the meantime, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) and the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) have had discussions through the Programme Board and understand that the removal of Huawei equipment from EE’s network is being managed and monitored closely to ensure any disruption to the build, or operation of ESN is avoided. The Home Office reports that it does not anticipate any impact on programme schedules. All ESN traffic is encrypted across the mobile network therefore the security risk during the transition period is minimal.

Londoners at Risk of Losing their Homes

Caroline Pidgeon: Reports show that 25% of Londoners have either fallen behind with their rent or are about to fall behind. Given that the Government’s eviction ban is due to end on 20 September, with only limited protections for renters thereafter, what are you doing to raise this issue with the Government as a matter of urgency and what work are you doing to support Londoners at risk of losing their homes?

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor’s Question 2020/2606.